Negotiating: meaning, definitions and examples

In settings where two or more parties are working to reach a mutually beneficial agreement, such as in business deals, contract discussions, or diplomatic relations.

• The countries are negotiating a trade agreement.
• She is negotiating her salary with the new employer.

Typically used in situations where people are trying to reach a lower price for goods or services, often in markets or informal settings. It implies a back-and-forth exchange to reach a fair price.

• He was bargaining for a better deal at the market.
• We spent hours bargaining with the car dealer.

Similar to bargaining, but often with a more intense or aggressive connotation, usually regarding price negotiations. It can sometimes have a negative implication, suggesting a hard or prolonged negotiation.

• He spent ages haggling over the price of the souvenir.
• She didn't like haggling with street vendors.

Used when talking about a topic in detail without the primary intention of reaching an agreement. It focuses more on the exchange of ideas and opinions.

• They are discussing the new project plan.
• During dinner, we were discussing our holiday plans.

Used when two or more parties are discussing terms in order to reach a mutual agreement, often in business or formal settings.

• The company is currently negotiating a new contract with its suppliers.
• He has a talent for negotiating complex deals.

Used in international relations and formal discussions where maintaining a polite and tactful approach is crucial. Often involves skilled handling of delicate situations.

• Diplomacy played a key role in defusing the international crisis.
• His success in the negotiations was largely due to his diplomacy.

Utilized when a neutral third party helps to facilitate a resolution between disputing parties, typically within legal, social, or workplace contexts.

• They hired a mediator to assist with their divorce settlement.
• The mediation process helped the employees and management resolve their conflicts.

Applied in situations where there is an attempt to bring peace and resolve differences between conflicting parties, emphasizing the restoration of harmony.

• The union and management are in conciliation talks to prevent a strike.
• After the heated argument, she sought conciliation to mend their friendship.

Duplicate entry. Please refer to the first instance for details.

Used for situations where ideas, opinions, or details about a topic are being talked over, without necessarily aiming for an agreement.

• They had a long discussion about the future of their project
• Discussions in team meetings can help clarify goals and responsibilities

Used when referring to an open and honest exchange of ideas, usually to build mutual understanding or resolve issues. It’s less formal than negotiating and covers a wider range of interactions.

• The dialogue between the two leaders helped to ease tensions between their countries
• Through open dialogue, they managed to resolve many misunderstandings

Typically used in scenarios involving buying and selling, where the price or conditions of sale are being debated. It often implies more informal and sometimes confrontational interactions.

• She spent hours bargaining at the market to get the best deals
• Bargaining can be exhausting but rewarding if you get a good price